Facebook Questions and Answers for the 18th November 2011

Hello Facebook fans, thanks for your questions this week, here are Carly's replies:

Cathy Johnson

Hi Carly, we planted a magnolia stellata this year - it was quite a large purchase, but it seems covered in flower buds that aren't looking too healthy, any tips for keeping it through the winter?

Hi Cathy, damaged flower buds are generally caused by cold winds and/or frosts but if the plant suffered dry roots this can also cause the flowers to abort. It's worth having a think back to the growing conditions between late summer and autumn this year as dry soil could have caused damage to the buds. Magnolia stellata prefers a reliably moist soil so in the spring give your Magnolia a generous mulch of well-rotted manure or compost, taking care not to mound it up against the stem. This should help retain moisture in the soil during hot spells.

Alternatively the autumn frosts may have browned the buds. It's worth reviewing the position of your Magnolia in the garden as plants in east-facing positions receive the first of the morning sunlight which can be particularly damaging during the winter and spring. The warmth hitting frozen buds causes rapid thawing and cell damage resulting in browning or withering. A south or west-facing position, sheltered from strong winds would be ideal for an early spring-flowering Magnolia such as Magnolia stellata. If moving your tree isn't an option you could erect a horticultural fleece 'tent' around and/or over your Magnolia to offer a degree of protection over winter. Birds can also damage Magnolia buds by pecking at them in search of food, although they tend to do this after the supply of autumn berries runs low. I hope that something here applies and that you manage to save your Magnolia flowers Cathy!